Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

Growing up, I read the Chicago Tribune, and thus was indoctrinated to what I believe were the Col. McCormick alternate spellings of a few words. I have continued to use them in all but formal writing, as they are useful and less confusing.

My wife, who on occasion has had to write speeches for someone to read with very large type or via teleprompter (should I still use the company's name - TelePrompTer?), has taken these up, as they are NEVER confused by the speaker:

tho
thru
altho
thoro